VERN BURNS
Former Mini-Tour Player
reporting from Afghanistan
in the middle of a war zone
Blog: December 2011
‘Tis The Season!
2011, an amazing year winding down and I for one am extremely grateful to have life. For me, and many others, the simple yet powerful feeling of gratitude is enough.
Having the opportunity to play golf, myself and with many readers, is such a privilege that during this time I can only give thought to those who have not the means (or ability) to explore, play and be a part of this wonderful game. Having said that, I will share my gratitude with you in hopes that we remain humble and grateful for this time, and for the lives lived before, and after us, in this great game of golf.
To the Peete Browns, Bill Spillers, Ted Rhodes, Calvin Peetes, Charlie Siffords, William ‘Bill’ Powells, Jim Thorps, Chuck Thorpes, Jim Dents, Bobby Strobles, Ben Davis’, and my main man Wiley Williams, I’m truly grateful.
To all the numerous individuals over the years who told me I couldn’t play at a higher level! I’m grateful!
To the tens of golfers who helped me when I didn’t know how to hold a club at 37-years old. Thank you so very much!
To the private and semi- private golf courses that turned me away—green fees in hand, from playing a round of golf. I truly thank you.
To the people that promised me sponsorship, and after I beat their prized pupil denied me, and asked that I empty my brain and teach their protégé how to play, I thank you always.
To the people that drove past me on the street when I had to walk home from the course. Because I had no car and golf was more important than driving…I wave thank you.
To the Mr. Nicklaus’, Palmers, Floyds, Couples’, Trevinos, DiMarcos, Singhs, Loves, Thorpes, Jansens, Dailys, Irwins, and Sorenstams; I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I watched and studied you all. I learned from a far. I took what I could execute and mimicked your actions. I traveled to play the same grounds and dreamed as I walked through the halls to feel a piece of what it was like. I took you all with me to the range every night and day and you were teaching me.
To the beautiful souls who allowed me to play for free the countless rounds of golf because, they saw my determination and they truly wanted me to succeed, my deepest love goes out to you.
To all the men who hustled me and handed me my lumps while early on in the game, Thanks goe out to you.
To those men and women who invited me to play in their group on the many occasions when I went to play alone, you were more than gracious and I applaud you.
To the salesmen and women who gave so much above, and beyond what I paid for to simply encourage me to keep going when I couldn’t afford better equipment, you are wonderful human beings. And I cannot thank you enough.
To Scott Kawagucchi at Cleveland Golf, you are an incredible human being and I thank you.
To Club Glove, Descente Clothing, and Whole 9 Golf. I tip my hat and bow to your loyalty….Much gratitude to you all.
To my daughters Ahrianna (far left) and Jessica (right) and my adopted daughter Kearra, give thanks this season, for next year we will be even better. More love, communication and special times for us all. I love you ladies for your good hearts and consistent efforts in life.
And to God and the Universe during this Holiday Season may we all be grateful and thankful to the powers that guide us and provide for us.
To Ragi, thank you for the quote; no matter how long you can stretch a dog’s tail, it will always have a bend in it….Thank you my Hindi friend, much love to you.
Enjoy your celebrations, eat well, play golf and love hard. Please find more than one thing to be thankful for.
As I watch the eclipse of the moon from my tent, I am truly grateful to share with you my thoughts and my experiences. And I’m grateful that you take the time to read my Blogs.
To my readers:
Be good to you!!!
All the best,
Vern Burns
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Below, some photos from my recent album.
